I think I’ve finally nailed crocheting.

My journey started years ago –  in high school – when I could only achieve a simple single crochet stitch.  Even then, my attempt at a blue and white striped blanket for my bed epically failed as each row became shorter and shorter.  I spent countless hours on something that I ended up either throwing away or unraveling (I honestly don’t remember what I did with the unfinished project).

Fast forward to last year when I was in the midst of completing my daughter’s twelve months of photos and my mother, who generally crocheted the outfits, was too busy to complete May’s.  Not even knowing how to read a pattern, I asked around for help and sat there watching YouTube videos, determined to carry out my plan of photographing her each month of her first year.

And while you probably didn’t take notice to the unfinished petals and the ends of the stems tied on to the bonnets poking out when I first shared my daughter’s five month photos last year, you can clearly see I had no idea what I was doing.

However, crocheting is something I really wanted to do.  I have so many different crochet projects saved on Pinterest (as I do with everything else) that I figured it was time to start tackling the never-ending list.

So, I started out with a project (that currently sits unfinished on my nightstand) and sat next to my mother while she read off the instructions.  After watching so many YouTube videos last year, I understood how to do each of the stitches, but for some reason I just couldn’t get my edges straight and had no idea what I was doing wrong.  When I finished the first row, my mother said “chain one”.  I looked at her, confused, and asked “didn’t I just finished the one chain?”.  Her response “no, you need to chain one”.  So I did.  And turned my work to begin the next row.  And wouldn’t you know it.  My freaking edge turned out straight.

So, all this time, I have neglected an important step in crocheting.  To finish my row by creating a chain prior to turning.

So – I took this newly gained knowledge and whipped up all the crocheted parts to that unfinished project I was talking about (I really just need to assemble it).  And l then I made this.  In like two evenings.  It’s super easy – but that’s what I was going for.  I mean, I did technically just learn how to crochet.

But now it’s time to tackle the rest of that growing list.

Chunky Crochet Cowl

• 1 skein Lion Brand chunky yarn in mustard
• size N crochet hook
• scissors
• yarn needle

Chain 162

Row 1: hdc in 3rd chain from hook and hdc in each chain to the end of the row; turn.

Row 2: Ch 2.  In the back loops only hdc in each stitch to the end of the row; turn.

Rows 3-11: Repeat row 2.

Leaving a long tail, cut yarn and secure.

Lay the piece flat, and fold in half so that the two ends are touching.  Use your yarn needle to whip stitch the two sides together.  Cut yarn and weave in the ends.